Jim Mills

With a love for so many things, James Mills was vibrant and full of life each and every day. He was completely devoted to the children he loved more than life itself and treasured the time he spent with not only his family, but his friends as well. A musician to his core, Jim enjoyed sharing his gift of music with those around him, touching the hearts and lives of others in the process. He was a hard working man who believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right whether the task was great or small. The colorful mosaic of memories he leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for those he leaves behind.

The year 1934 was a welcome sight in America as this was the year that finally saw the turning point in the Great Depression with an unemployment rate that was on the decline since the depression’s start in 1929. In an attempt to lighten the load on the American people, President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted a public works program that put people to work building bridges, dams, and streets. Entertainment and music provided a temporary way out for those who were hurting and with artists like Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers topping the charts, the songs of the day often reflected the struggles of this time. This was a year to remember for one young family from Kalamazoo, Michigan, for a much different reason as it was on September 9th that they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. James LeRoy was the second of three boys born to Leland and Lena (Peekstok) Mills, and was raised in the family home on South Burdick Street alongside his older brother, Dick, and his younger brother, Bill. His father worked at a local paper mill while his mother was a busy housewife. As a young boy Jim was known to get into his fair share of mischief and required an extra pair of eyes on him all the time - especially once he began driving. He attended local school including Kalamazoo Central High School, and he also earned a little extra spending money with his local paper route while in high school.

After graduating from high school in 1953, Jim entered the work force. He initially delivered fuel for Standard Oil, and he also worked in the meat department at the A&P on Washington Square in Kalamazoo. Jim eventually settled in at Upjohn where he remained for the rest of his career. He retired after 30 years of service when he was 55 years old.

Life was forever changed for Jim when he was introduced to the woman with whom he would establish the family who was his greatest source of pride and joy. Her name was Sandra DeKam and they were introduced by Jim’s future sister-in-law, Helen, while he was working at Upjohn. The couple hit it off right away. After dating for a time, Jim and Sandra were married in 1955. Together they were blessed with three children, Wayne, Gail, and Lynne. Jim was active in the lives of his children and came to all of their school and sporting events. Although his marriage ended in divorce after 25 years, Jim was forever grateful for the children they shared together.

There were so many things Jim enjoyed throughout his life. Building houses was a favorite hobby, and he did so while he was still working full-time. Jim built five homes through the years - living in each one for a short time before selling it. He was in the planning stages of building his sixth home when he life came to sudden end. Jim also spent some time hunting as well as fishing with his son. Throughout most of his life he loved snowmobiling during the winter months. Jim liked older tractors and was a man of routine when it came to breakfast as he had oatmeal with raisins every morning. Although he didn’t attend church as regularly as many do, he read his Bible every day and when he did go to church, it was at “At the Masters Discipleship Ministry.”

All who knew Jim can attest to his passion for music. He was a talented musician and although he tried to pursue it more seriously at times, most often he just played for fun. Country music was his favorite genre, and he built an instrument called a banjo-uke that he loved to play. Through the years Jim was known for making several instruments. He was a regular at the Cooper Café where he ate breakfast and occasionally played music. Jim also did some traveling with the Cereal City Cloggers, and he often went to play music at various nursing homes. During his sunset years he particularly enjoyed his music because it was something that got him out of the house to socialize with others - something he loved to do. No matter where he was living he always had a pole barn that he used for entertaining including the pole barn at his current home called “Jim’s Music and Dance Barn.” His pole barn was often the place to be with various activities, and it was usually packed with people. Jim religiously went to the Martin Music Barn for entertainment on Sunday nights. It was while rehearsing for an event in Shipshewana this weekend with a group of friends at his music hall that he drew his last breath doing what he loved.

Known for his ambition, warm heart, and passionate spirit, James Mills was deeply loved by many. He worked hard, but he played just as hard, and he embraced each moment he was given. Life was not without trials for Jim, but he was a resilient man who carried himself with integrity, honor, and courage that never wavered. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

James L. Mills of Otsego died on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Jim’s family includes his two children, Wayne (Becky) Mills, of Otsego, Lynne (Jon) Burnett, of Plainwell; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Nathan Mills; two brothers, Dick (Helen) Mills, of Lawton, Bill (Bonnie) Mills, of Schoolcraft; three step siblings, Linda Smith, of Lansing, Linton (Bonnie) Warner, of Charlotte, Darwin (Pat) Warner, of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Mills. The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881). Funeral services will be held on Monday at 1 p.m. at the Martin Music Hall 1125 122nd Ave. Please visit Jim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online or leave a favorite memory or photo. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society.